Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 12, 2026

Circadian Entrainment of Drosophila Melanogaster
Published on: June 3, 2020
DNA is hypomethylated in circadian manifestations of bruxism
G H Oporto1,2,3,4, L A Salazar1,3
1Centro de Biología Molecular & Farmacogenética, Departamento de Ciencias Básicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile.
Objective:
The aim of this study was to compare the global DNA methylation levels in patients under bruxism treatment and a control group.
Methods:
Subjects undergoing bruxism treatment were classified in awake bruxism (42 patients), sleep bruxism (32 patients) and both conditions (42 patients). The control group included 42 individuals. A colorimetric assay (MethylFlash Methylated DNA 5-mC Quantification Kit, Epigenetic Group Inc., NY, USA) was used to determine the global DNA methylation levels.
Results:
Statistically significant differences were found in amounts of methylated DNA in all circadian manifestations of bruxism compared with a control group (sleep bruxism = 0.95% ± 2.02%; awake bruxism = 0.87% ± 2.1%; sleep and awake bruxism = 0.17% ± 0.25%; Control = 1.69% ± 1.6%; Kruskal-Wallis test [p = .0001] followed by Dunn's test [p < .05]).
Conclusion:
Patients undergoing bruxism treatment exhibited hypomethylated DNA levels when compared to control group. Our results suggest that DNA hypomethylation might be a novel aetiologic factor in bruxism aetiology. Further researches must be performed exploring the role of epigenetics modifications in circadian manifestations of bruxism.
Related Concept Videos
Circadian Rhythms and Gene Regulation
Acute Pancreatitis II: Clinical Manifestations and Management
Angina III: Clinical Manifestations and Assessment
Atherosclerosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Tests
Aneurysm II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
Chronic Kidney Disease II: Clinical Manifestations

